Mondo Restaurant Review

: Families, first-daters and power-lunchers all gather at Mondo, chef Susan Spicer’s contemporary restaurant in the Lakeview area. Over a couple decades, Spicer amassed a huge following at her French Quarter restaurant, Bayona. Mondo is a bit more casual, a minimalist environment with gentle lighting. Spicer brings a cutting-edge approach to her menu, evident in such dishes as the herbed goat cheese, prosciutto and peppadew pepper appetizer, and the skewered Thai shrimp with pork meatballs. Pizza is baked in a state-of-the-art wood-burning oven and topped with such embellishments as pepperoni paired with onion, garlic and jalapeños. And if you thought nothing new could be done with deviled eggs, you haven’t met Spicer’s version (think basil and curry). Try them with an ice-cold martini chaser. The wine list has evolved over time, and although it is not extensive, covers all the necessary bases. Cinnamon beignets finished with yogurt sauce, nuts and honey for dessert are irresistible. Another standout is the peanut butter pie with dark chocolate ganache.